Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Ambassadors from the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela vowed to promote environmental protection after joining the environmental youth camp in Sta. Ana, Cagayan on May 17-18, this year.

Dubbed as ‘Kampo Kabataan para sa Kalikasan’, the two-day youth camp organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 highlighted the celebration of the Month of the Ocean.

As a commitment to environmental conservation being a staunch partner of the DENR- Region 2, Isabela State University sends its students among their peer environment ambassadors from Cagayan State University and Sta. Ana Fishery National Highschool and were equipped with knowledge on basic ENR laws and coastal and marine ecosystems and management and engaged in the coastal cleanup at the Palaui Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (PIPLS).

They also conducted tree identification at the forest and mangrove areas in PIPLS and were exposed to seagrass to appreciate the interconnectedness of forest and marine ecosystems.

Barry the ‘barangan’, a rabbit fish serves as the flagship species mascot of PIPLS joined the campers to advocate protection of coastal and marine biodiversity.

As active partners of DENR in information, education and communication campaigns, the participants were also trained on how to produce and publish photo stories about the environment.

Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Aparri Joselito Razon encouraged the ambassadors to level up and strengthen their network as youth leaders to help the environment.

“Kayo ang aming katulong upang mas paigtingin ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan at ating mga likas yaman,” Forester Razon said.

Supervising Chief of the Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group Corazon Corpuz in her closing message enjoined the participants to share their learnings and to influence their family and community to get involved in environmental programs and activities.

In 2020, DENR Region 2 through Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan partnered with student leaders from different colleges and state universities in Cagayan Valley for IEC campaigns, social mobilization and partnership building activities.

Other activities held during the environmental youth camp were team building, search for the Kabataang Kampeon para sa Kalikasan, and banner and yell making.